LABOUR WILL HOLD a post-election meeting of re-elected TDs, outgoing senators, and failed election candidates in Dublin next week to assess how it moves forward after its worst-ever election result.
The party endured the worst result in its 104-year history with just seven of its TDs re-elected five years after its best-ever result when it won a record 37 seats.
A meeting is due to take place in the Citywest Hotel on the outskirts of Dublin on Wednesday at 2pm with Labour TDs and outgoing senators, those who lost their seats and failed election candidates all invited to take part.
The candidates will be expected to air their views on the campaign and outline how they believe Labour can begin the process of rebuilding for the future, a spokesperson said this week.
Several TDs who lost their seats and failed election candidates said they planned to attend, although some were unaware that the meeting is happening when we contacted them.
Speaking to TheJournal.ie earlier this week, former TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said the party would struggle again if there is a second election in the near future:
The problems immediately facing Labour are stark with the party facing a massive cut in state funding as a result of its seat losses.
The party has received around €3 million annually from the exchequer since 2011, but this will now be cut by around 80%.
This means up to 70 people will be let go by the party between staff working for Labour TDs, senators and ministers and in the party’s press and policy office in Leinster House.
In addition Labour must also decide how to deal with the expensive lease on its docklands headquarters.
The party leased a stunning penthouse overlooking the Liffey in the fashionable Bloodstone building on Sir John Rogerson’s Quay last year.
The lease has nearly two years left to run and is costing the party around €212,000 annually.
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